There are a growing number of people within the security Industry who are showing
increasing interest in the latest innovation of wireless access control. There
are many questions surrounding this new type of mechanism such as what are the
advantages over tried and tested hard-wired systems and how it actually works.
How does it work?
The system works by removing the need for wiring between the access portal
and the main control panel by installing transceivers both in the entry portal
and the main control panel. The use of RF signals between these transceivers means
that the need for wiring is eliminated. An advantage of this approach is that
unlike wiring, the transceivers are able to communicate through walls, enabling
the main control panels, the door control panels and the panel interface modules
all to be enclosed in one unit. This saves an organisation not only time, but
money and space.
Obviously, a potential user of any new technology is going to ask whether such
a system is as reliable as the currently more common hard-wired systems. The wireless
systems are able to make use of a spread-spectrum approach which increases the
robustness of their communications. The range which a wireless system can operate
over is usually 200 feet for the control of interior doors on the same level and
only doors incorporating steel or wire mesh may reduce this capacity.
The security of wireless access control is also an issue which might be questioned
by anyone considering it as an option in their security systems. Each system is
able to originate a random and unique identity code which is created for each
portal within the system thus making the ability of guessing the codes almost
impossible. Another concern may be whether a valid entry request can be refused
illegitimately and although this is possible, it is only able to occur if the
illegitimate signal is strong enough and on the same frequency as the signal being
received.
Will it be popular?
The versatility of wireless access control systems also means that they can
be installed to suit every type of portal in any system making this technological
innovation an option for the future. It is estimated that most countries will
have more wireless system users than wired in just five years' time and with the
systems being easy to install, use and extremely effective, wireless technology
is an excellent investment in future security solutions.
